Afghanistan: Head of Security Unit

No. Positions: 1 – International

Reference: THRCP/RFP/HR/09

Background:

ACE Moharram.Bakhoum is an international leading consultancy company known for its unrivalled engineering excellence, creative flair and technical proficiency. Backed by almost 60 years of consulting experience and employing almost 1,400 qualified professionals, ACE has impressive and distinctive credentials, encompassing public, private and internationally sponsored projects. ACE partners with governments and companies around the globe to help governments in developing nations improve systems, organisations and society. Through consultancy and supply chain management, we help countries grow their infrastructure, strengthen public procurement systems and improve financial management.

ACE is building a team in anticipation to support the Ministry of Public Works of the Government of Afghanistan implementing the Trans Hindukush Road Connectivity Programme (THRCP). The project aims to improve connectivity across the Hindukush mountains through: i) construction of Bamian – Baghlan Highway road; and ii) the rehabilitation of the Salang Pass/Tunnel. The project has strategic importance for the movement of goods and freight between the Northern provinces and Capital of the Country, and is considered part of the resource corridor which is already targeted as a priority to construct by the government of Afghanistan.

Scope of Assignment:

The purpose of this assignment is to design, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate appropriate policies and procedures to improve security and safety of ACE personnel in Afghanistan, and to contribute to the ACE mandate through strong security risk analysis, advice and relevant mitigation.

The Security Unit Head (SUH) is responsible for providing advice and technical expertise to the ACE Country Director (CD) in Afghanistan. He/she manages, on behalf of the ACE CD, all security activities to ensure the security and safety of all ACE country office staff and enable the efficient implementation of ACE programs and activities.

Specific Duties:

The specific duties include but not limited to the followings:

· Assess and analyze prevailing local security conditions and identify security trends, security factors and levels of risk related to ACE staff and activities and advise ACE personnel and programs accordingly;

· Develop and monitor the implementation of security contingency plans for ACE in Afghanistan, undertake security assessment and evaluate existing security measures to the safeguarding of staff, property and premises of ACE; identify gaps in existing capability and make recommendation for amendment to the ACE CD and take lead in arrangements for their improvement where necessary;

· Provide advice and training to ACE personnel and identify the training needs of security and program staff;

· Investigate all security-related incidents involving ACE personnel or their eligible dependents including, but not limited to, road traffic accidents, loss and damage to ACE property;

· Inspect security equipment and ensure minimum equipment requirements are purchased, maintained and deployed in accordance with relevant policy;

· Conduct security briefings to ACE staff on mission or appointed to Afghanistan;

· Maintain updated security information, prepare periodical situation reports in accordance with ACE standard operating procedures and as agreed upon with the ACE CD;

· Prepare guidelines for implementing security measures/standards for ACE, both at the country office and in the field;

· Prepare country evacuation plans; ensure that ACE personnel are familiar with these plans

· Review contractor(s)’ Security Plans and propose improvements/necessary changes;

· Perform any other relevant duties as instructed by ACE CD.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• A university degree (BA or equivalent), with a focus on security management and/or related discipline (business administration; political/social science; psychology; international relations). Alternatively, a military or police academy degree (at officer level) equivalent to advanced university degree.

• Successfully completed and certified in one or more UNDSS core courses i.e. SCP, SAPP, HIM, etc. is desirable.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience at both national and international levels within the UN system or governmental and corporate agencies and /or relevant military and police service.

• UN professional experience as field security Officer/Advisor within Afghanistan or similar context is desirable;